Blog List

Come one, come all …

June 4, 2009 - Per Peterson

Republicans Marty Seifert of Marshall, the House Minority Leader for the time being, state Sen. David Hann of Eden Prairie, state Rep. Paul Kohls of Victoria, former state auditor Pat Anderson, former U.S. Sen. Rod Grams and Charlie Weaver, Pawlenty’s former chief of staff, all are thinking about a run for the governor’s seat next year. They would join a number of Democrat candidates that increased Thursday when St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak said they’re weighing campaigns. Before Pawlenty’s announcement that he won’t seek a third term, a number of high-profile Democrats had taken steps toward the 2010 race — state Sen. Tom Bakk, former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, former state Sen. Steve Kelley, former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, state Sen. John Marty and state Rep. Paul Thissen. There’s bound to be even more names added to this list during the coming months leading up to the primaries, which will make for one interesting campaign. Surely, the number of candidates will be whittled down after straw polls are conducted, but even if three or four take themselves out of the running, it looks like there will be plenty of lawmakers to choose from for voters. It'll be like a kid trying to pick out a pack of gum at the gas station. So many to choose from. Surely, we can't go wrong. Can we? Is this a good thing? You bet it is. The more the merrier, I say. Let’s not worry about what Pawlenty’s going to do down the road. Everyone wants to know if he’s girding up for a run at the White House, but I’m not so sure HE even knows that yet. Let’s instead focus on what’s going to happen in our state, then worry about Pawlenty. And let’s hope Pawlenty holds true to his word that he’s committed to his current term and working for the best interests of the state of Minnesota. This state needs it’s leader to lead, whether that includes unalottment or somet other strategy to balance the budget. That's all.